Challenges of Changing Customer Affinities and Globalization
The automotive industry is undergoing massive globalization. Companies in this industry are in various stages of transformation, which involves moving from a regional/local model to a global model in which the buying, making, moving and selling activities could happen anywhere in the world. To thrive in today's global environment, automotive companies are reexamining their supply chain processes and their supporting technology.
The key areas where automotive companies are focusing on supply chain improvements include:...Click here for full story

Ford, Savi in RFID Pilot to Synchronize Parts Delivery at U.K. Plant
Ford Motor Company's Land Rover division and Savi have launched a pilot program that deploys an active radio frequency identification solutions to better synchronize the delivery of auto parts from multiple suppliers to Land Rover's key assembly plant in the West Midlands of the United Kingdom. The pilot is made possible...Click here for full story

Mazda Canada Taps OEConnection to Manage Its Parts Supply Chain
OEConnection, a leader in the online procurement and analysis of original equipment (OE) replacement parts, will serve as the preferred parts technology provider for Mazda Canada. It will provide the automaker with integrated web-based solutions to help create a virtual in-circulation parts warehouse. It will connect each segment in the importer's replacement parts supply chain,...Click here for full story

Chrysler Creates 'Super-Sourcing' Alliance Position
Chrysler has promoted its top purchasing executive Simon Boag to the newly created position of vice president of global alliance operations, where he will focus on developing Chrysler's global alliances.
Chrysler has also named John Campi as its new executive vice president of...Click here for full story

At Long Last, Mazda Makes Its Move Into MexicoThe Japanese automaker lines up a network of dealers, then works to ensure that they are supplied with the right parts for maintenance and repair.
It isn't often that a well-known automaker gets to approach a major market with a clean slate. But that was the case when Mazda entered Mexico some two years ago.
Curiously, the Japanese manufacturer took its time before venturing into that promising market. Mazda has been selling...Click here for full story

RFID to Help Ford F-150 Trucks Keep Tabs on Tools
Ford Motor Co.'s most important vehicle, the Ford F-150, is going high-tech. The manufacturer plans to offer radio frequency identification technology for tracking work tools in its 2009 F-150 trucks.
F-150 drivers who use their trucks for jobs will be able to...Click here for full story

RFID-Based Tracking System Saves Land Rover Labor CostsOne year after deploying an RFID-based system to newly assembled vehicles at its plant in Solihull, England, Land Rover reports it has seen a return on its initial technology investment. The automaker says the RFID technology's vendor's vehicle tracking and management system is reducing...Click here for full story